FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an opening device for straws of a liquid food container
which fills up and packages beverages etc.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, there are opening devices for straws formed in the thermoplastics
lid of the paper container filled up with liquid food, such as cow's milk and soft
drinks.
In the opening device for straws, as for the packaging material of the liquid food
container, a paper substrate is covered by an outer layer and an inner layer of thermoplastics,
a straw hole is covered with thermoplastics and a straw hole sealing part is formed.
The straw hole sealing part is formed by injection molding. In the straw hole sealing
part, it is required for the straw to penetrate easily without sliding, and for the
straw hole sealing part to be soft and to keep the tip of the straw from bending,
when sticking the straw.
[0003] Therefore, a thin-walled groove portion is formed in the straw hole sealing part
to such an extent that sealing performance is not damaged. (Reference patent documents
1)
Patent documents 1: JP,2002-362548,A
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0004] Although the straw hole sealing part can be easily penetrated with a straw by using
the conventional thin-walled groove portion, there are risks that the thin-walled
groove portion may break by shock etc. in carrying / distribution process of the liquid
food container. If thickness of the thin-walled groove portion is made thin, the straw
hole sealing part cannot inconveniently penetrate easily.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an opening device for a straw
of a liquid food container being capable of easily opening a straw hole by sticking
without leaking and breaking by external forces of vibrations and the like at the
transportation, in the liquid food container having a thermoplastic resin top formed
in an upper end edge of a body of the packaging material laminated on paper substrate
with thermoplastic resin.
MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM
[0006] An opening device for straws of a liquid food container of this invention is the
opening device for straws of a liquid food container which comprises a bottom and
a main body formed with an packaging material laminated both sides of a paper substrate
with thermoplastic resin, and a top formed with thermoplastic resin and joined to
a upper end of the main body; is characterized by that
the opening of the opening device for straws is integrally formed with the top and
comprises a plurality of steps and level differences on the front side and the back
side of the opening, the level differences on the front side and the level differences
on the back side are formed at edges of the level differences on the back and the
front with overlaps,
lengths of the overlaps of edges of the level differences are thinner than thickness
of the steps, the level differences are easy fracture parts,
the steps have 190% - 650% of thickness to the lengths of the overlaps of the edges,
and the overlap of the edge is 0.09-0.11 millimeter in length.
[0007] In the preferable embodiment of this invention, the step on the front side of the
opening is flat on the surface, and the step on the back side of the opening is flat
on the surface.
[0008] In the preferable embodiment of this invention, the step on the front side of the
opening is roundish on the surface, and the step on the back side of the opening is
roundish on the surface.
[0009] In the preferable embodiment of this invention, the step on the front side of the
opening is rounded on the surface, and the step on the back side of the opening is
flat on the surface.
[0010] In the preferable embodiment of this invention, the projection is formed in one of
the steps on the front side.
[0011] In the preferable embodiment of this invention, the thermoplastic resin which forms
the top, and the thermoplastic resin laminated on the paper substrate of the packaging
material consist of the same or different kind of low density polyethylene.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to the above present invention, the following operation functions are exhibited
and an advantageous effect is acquired.
The liquid food container of the opening device for straws in this invention comprises
the bottom and the main body formed with the packaging material laminated the both
sides of the paper substrate with thermoplastic resin, and the top joined to the upper
end of the main body, and formed, for example with injection molding with thermoplastic
resin.
Since the top is formed with thermoplastic resin, the shape and the thinness can be
controlled / designed easily.
[0013] In the feature of the present invention, the opening of the opening device for straws
is integrally formed with the top and comprises a plurality of steps and level differences
on the front side and the back side of the opening.
When the straw is stuck into the opening, the step on the front side is touched first,
and it slides easily, and moves to the level difference, and the tip of the straw
stops there. When force is applied to the level difference, it is pushed into the
inside of the liquid food container so that the opening may curve, and the edges of
the level differences of the both sides covering the level difference on the back
side which adjoins from the level difference on the front side are extended gradually,
and the straw tip is further stuffed into the portion.
[0014] In the feature of the present invention, since the thickness of the edge of the level
difference is thinner than the thickness of the step and the level difference is an
easy fracture part, the level difference is fractured by the straw tip further stuffed
in. The straw is further stuffed in and fracture area further spreads as a starting
point of the fracture point.
The edge of the level difference is protected by the step, and since the step is thickly,
an opening is not damaged nor broken carelessly.
The opening is not simply fractured by an external force, such as vibration at the
delivery, and does not leak, and the thrust of the straw can open the straw hole easily.
[0015] In the feature of the present invention, the thickness of the edge of the level difference
is thinner than the thickness of the step, and the step has 190% - 650%, preferably
190% - 350% of thickness to the length of the overlap of the edge.
When the step has thinner thickness than 190%, there is a risk that the step may embrittle
relatively and the step may break with the straw.
On the other hand, when the step has thicker thickness than 650%, there is a risk
that the step has too much thickness, and the thickness may stop to open the whole
opening after fracturing from a level difference.
[0016] In the feature of the present invention, the overlap of the edges is 0.09-0.11 millimeter
in length.
In the liquid food container in which the top of thermoplastic resin is formed, by
an external force, such as a shock at the delivery, the opening does not break simply
and does not leak with this length of the overlap of the edges, and the straw hole
is easily opened by the thrust of the straw.
[0017] In the preferable embodiment of this invention, the step on the front side of the
opening is flat on the surface, and the step on the back side of the opening is flat
on the surface.
The design is simple and advantageous to manufacture of the mold etc.
[0018] In the preferable embodiment of this invention, the step on the front side of the
opening is roundish on the surface, and the step on the back side of the opening is
roundish on the surface.
Since the step is roundish on the surface and the straw point is guided to the level
difference on the front side, it is advantageous to breaking with the straw. Since
the step on the back side is roundish on the surface, it can raise mechanical strength
with the swelling.
[0019] In the preferable embodiment of this invention, the step on the front side of the
opening is roundish on the surface, and the step on the back side of the opening is
flat on the surface.
This embodiment can produce the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment.
[0020] In the preferable embodiment by which the projection is formed in the front side
of the step, the consumers can stick the straw into the mark of the projection, and
the straw tip from the projection can slide on the step, can run against the level
difference, can stop there, and can open the opening easily.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021]
[Fig. 1]
A sectional view of the opening of Examples 1, 2, and 4 of the opening device for
the straws according to this invention.
[Fig. 2]
A side view, a front view, a top view, and a bottom view of the reference example
showing the appearance of the opening device for the straws, and the liquid food container.
[Fig. 3]
An outline view showing Example 1 of the top of the liquid food container of this
invention.
[Fig. 4]
A sectional view showing breaking operation of the opening of an example of the opening
device for the straws according to this invention.
[Fig. 5]
An outline view showing Example 2 of the top of the liquid food container of this
invention.
[Fig. 6]
An outline view showing the manufacturing process of the liquid food container of
the reference example.
[Fig. 7]
An outline view showing the reference example 3 of the top of the liquid food container.
[Fig. 8]
An outline view showing Example 4 of the top of the liquid food container of this
invention.
[Fig. 9]
An outline view showing Example 5 of the top of the liquid food container of this
invention.
[Fig. 10]
An outline view showing Example 6 of the top of the liquid food container of this
invention.
[Fig. 11]
An outline view showing the reference example 7 of the top of the liquid food container.
[Fig. 12]
An outline view showing Example 8 of the top of the liquid food container of this
invention.
[Fig. 13]
An outline view showing Example 9 of the top of the liquid food container of this
invention.
[Fig. 14]
A sectional view showing the dimensions of Examples 1, 2, and 4 of the opening of
the opening device for the straws of this invention.
[Fig. 15]
A sectional view showing the dimensions of the reference example 3 of the opening
of the opening device for the straws.
[Fig. 16]
A sectional view showing the dimensions of Example 5 of the opening of the opening
device for the straws of this invention.
[Fig. 17]
A sectional view showing the dimensions of Example 6 of the opening of the opening
device for the straws of this invention.
[Fig. 18]
A sectional view showing the dimensions of the reference example 7 of the opening
of the opening device for the straws.
[Fig. 19]
A sectional view showing the dimensions of Example 8 of the opening of the opening
device for the straws of this invention.
[Fig. 20]
A sectional view showing the dimensions of Example 9 of the opening of the opening
device for the straws of this invention.
Explanation of references
[0022]
1 ... Container
2 ... Main body of the container
3 ... Top
4 ... Opening
5 ... Lid
7 ... Step
8 ... Level difference
9 ... Edge
THE BEST MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0023] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the invention is described in detail, referring to
the drawings. The appearance of the opening device for the container and the straws
according to this embodiment is explained by the reference example shown in Fig. 2
(the side view (a), the front view (b), the top view (c), and the bottom view (d)).
This container consists of the main body 2 of the paper container, and the dome-like
container top 3 of the thermoplastic resin joined to the upper end of the main body
2 and formed by injection, and the lid 5 for the spouts is integrally formed in the
center of the top of the container top 3. The opening 4 is integrally formed with
the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented from the top face of the lid.
[0024] The whole container is outlined with reference to the reference example of Fig. 2.
The package body 2 is obtained from the packaging material in which the thermoplastic
resin is laminated in both sides of the paper substrate. As shown in Fig. 2 (d), the
tube shape packaging material is transversally sealed, the flaps and fins formed with
the transversal seal are folded up, and the bottom of the package body 2 is formed.
In the center of the top of the container top 3, the lid 5 for the spouts is formed
integrally. At the time of usages (unsealing) of the lid, the gripper 6 is pulled
up, the fragile weak line (thin part) surroundings around the outer edge of the lid
5 is torn, the lid 5 is pulled up, and the spout is opened.
In the non-use or using in combination of the spout, the straw hole (opening device
for the straws) is used. The opening 4 of the opening device for the straws is integrally
formed with the top 3 (and lid 5).
[0025] In this embodiment, the thermoplastic resin by which the top is formed, and the thermoplastic
resin which is laminated on the paper substrate of an packaging material include for
example, polyolefin resin, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylenic copolymer,
co-extrusion polymer or blend polymer containing low density polyethylene (LDPE),
linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene, and polyethylene,
linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE) having the narrow molecular weight distribution
polymerized using the metallocene catalyst, and blend polymer containing at least
mLLDPE etc..
Preferably, the thermoplastic resin consists of the same kind or different kind of
low density polyethylene.
[0026] Container 1 of Example is obtained by an apparatus etc. which manufactures the composite
container shown, for example in Fig. 6. Web-like lamination paper packaging material
31 is cut out into the predetermined configuration 32, and container sleeve 33 having
longitudinal seal to the container lengthwise direction is obtained. Container top
3 having thin container wall is formed in the top end of the sleeve body 2 with plastic
injection molding 35. From the opening of the container bottom of the bottom end of
the sleeve, a food product is filled up with the filling apparatus 37, and the bottom
is sealed. The container 1 having the main body 2 and the top 3 is obtained.
[0027] As shown in Fig. 1 of the sectional view of the opening of Examples 1, 2, and 4,
in this embodiment, the opening 4 of the opening device for the straws is integrally
formed with top 3, and has a plurality of steps 7 and level differences 8 on the front
side and the back side of the opening 4, and the level difference on the front side
and the level difference on the back side are overlapped and formed at the back and
front of the edge 9 of the level differences.
In the embodiment of this invention, the thickness of the edge 9 of the level difference
8 is thinner than the thickness of the step 7, and the level difference 8 is the easy
fracture part.
[0028] As shown in Fig. 4, when the straw 10 is stuck into the opening 4, although the tip
10 of the straw touches to the step 7 on the front side first, it slides easily, and
moves to the level difference 8, and it stops there. Since the force is applied to
the level difference 8, the opening 4 is stuffed into the inside of the liquid food
container so that it may curve. The edge 9 of both level differences ranging from
the level difference 8 on the front side to the level difference 8 on the adjacent
back side is extended gradually, and the straw tip 10 is further stuffed into the
portion 9. The edge 9 of the level difference is fractured by the further stuffed-in
straw tip 10. The straw 10 is further pushed at the fractured point as the starting
point, and the fractured surface further spreads.
[0029] The appearance of the container, and the opening device for straws according to Example
1 is shown in Fig. 3. The container consists of the paper package body 2 and the dome-like
container top 3 of thermoplastic resin joined to the upper end of the main body 2,
and formed by injection, and the lid 5 for a spout is integrally formed in the center
of the top of container top 3. The opening 4 is integrally formed with the lid 5,
and is formed in shape dented from the top face of the lid. In this embodiment, the
bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprises three flat surface steps 7,
and a plurality of the level differences 8 on the back side and the front side at
the bottom surface (the back side not shown in Fig. 3).
[0030] In Example 1 shown in Fig. 3, the flat surface shape of the opening 4 is the fan
shape spreading in the outer edge of the lid 5. The level difference 8 is formed in
parallel with the circular arc of a fan shape, and the step 7 also has the shape of
a partial fan shape.
Since the flat surface shape of the opening 4 is the fan shape which spreads in the
outer edge of the lid 5, the straw 10 can be certainly struck not in the center section
but in the circumference part of the dome-like lid 5 of the dome-like lid 5 which
is easy to deform relative. Since the straight-line wall contributed to reinforcement
is formed to the edge of the opening 4 from the center of the lid, the mechanical
strength of the top and the lid is reinforced.
The level difference 8 is formed in parallel with the circular arc of fan shape, and
the breaking easily level difference 8 certainly traps the tip of the straw 10.
[0031] As shown in Fig. 14, in Example 1, the thickness of the edge 9 of the level difference
8 is 0.1 mm. The thickness of the step 7 is 0.2 mm. The thickness of the edge of the
level difference is thinner than the thickness of the step, and the step has 200%
of thickness to the length of the overlap of the edge. The level difference 8 is the
easy fracture part.
[0032] The appearance of the opening device for the container and the straws according to
this Example 2 is shown in Fig. 5. The container consists of the main body 2 of the
paper container, and the dome-like container top 3 of the thermoplastic resin which
is joined to the upper end of the main body 2 and is formed by injection, and the
lid 5 for the spouts is integrally formed in the center top of the container top 3.
The opening 4 is integrally formed with the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented from
the top face of the lid.
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprises three
flat surface steps 7, and three level differences 8 on the back side and the front
side at the bottom surface (the back side not shown in Fig. 5).
[0033] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the flat surface shape of the opening 4 is a fan
shape which spreads in the outer edge of the lid 5, and lacks the center section of
the lid 5. The level difference 8 is formed in parallel with the circular arc of the
fan shape, and the step 7 has the shape of the partial fan shape.
Since the flat surface shape of the opening 4 is the fan shape which spreads in the
outer edge of the lid 5, the straw 10 can be certainly struck not in the center section
but in the circumference part of the dome-like lid 5 of the dome-like lid 5 which
is easy to deform relative.
Since the straight-line wall contributed to reinforcement is formed to the edge from
the center of the lid, the mechanical strength of the top and the lid is reinforced.
Any level difference which has the low unsealing possibility and does not contribute
to unsealing is not formed at the center section and near the fan shape of the lid
5. In Example 2, since the fan shape is the shape missing in the center section of
the lid 5, it can avoid that the consumers strike the straw 10 in the needless part,
and take time in unsealing.
The level difference 8 is formed in parallel with the circular arc of fan shape, and
the breaking easily level difference 8 certainly traps the tip of the straw 10.
[0034] As shown in Fig. 14, in Example 2, the thickness of the edge 9 of the level difference
8 is 0.1 mm. The thickness of the step 7 is 0.2 mm. The thickness of the edge of the
level difference is thinner than the thickness of the step, and the step has 200%
of thickness to the length of the overlap of the edge. The level difference 8 is the
easy fracture part.
[0035] The appearance of the opening device for the container and the straws according to
the reference example 3 is shown in Fig. 7. This container consists of the main body
2 of the paper container, and the dome-like container top 3 of the thermoplastic resin
which is joined to the upper end of the main body 2, and is formed by injection, and
the lid 5 for spouts is integrally formed in the center of the container top 3. The
opening 4 is integrally formed with the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented from
the top face of the lid.
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprise a plurality
of roundish surface steps 7 and level differences 8 on the back side and the front
side at the bottom surface (the back side not shown in Fig. 7).
[0036] As shown in Fig. 15, in the reference example 3, the thickness of the edge 9 of the
level difference 8 is 0.1 mm. The thickness of the step 7 is 0.3 mm. Unlike this invention,
the steps 7 by both sides of the back and front has completely overlapped, and there
is no overlap in the edges 9 of the level differences 8. As compared with Examples,
by external force, such as the shock at the delivery, the opening is fractured simply
and leaks easily.
[0037] The appearance of the container, and the opening device for straws according to Example
4 is shown in Fig. 8. This container consists of the main body 2 of the paper container,
and the dome-like container top 3 of the thermoplastic resin which is joined to the
upper end of the main body 2, and is formed by injection, and the lid 5 for the spouts
is integrally formed in the center of the container top 3. The opening 4 is integrally
formed with the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented from the top face of the lid.
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprises six
flat surface steps 7, and five level differences 8 on the back side and the front
side at the bottom surface (the back side not shown in Fig. 8).
[0038] As shown in Fig. 14, in Example 4, the thickness of the edge 9 of the level difference
8 is 0.1 mm. The thickness of the step 7 is 0.2 mm. The thickness of the edge of the
level difference is thinner than the thickness of the step, and the step has 200%
of thickness to the length of the overlap of the edges. The level difference 8 is
the easy fracture part.
[0039] The appearance of the container, and the opening device for the straws according
to Example 5 is shown in Fig. 9. This container consists of the main body 2 of the
paper container, and the dome-like container top 3 of the thermoplastic resin which
is joined to the upper end of the main body 2, and is formed by injection, and the
lid 5 for the spouts is integrally formed in the center of the container top 3. The
opening 4 is integrally formed with the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented from
the top face of the lid.
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprises five
roundish surface steps 7, and a plurality of level differences 8 on the back side
and the front side at the bottom surface (the back side not shown in Fig. 9).
[0040] As shown in Fig. 16, in Example 5, the thickness of the edge 9 of the level difference
8 is 0.1 mm. The thickness of the step 7 is 0.6 mm. The thickness of the edge of the
level difference is thinner than the thickness of the step, and the step has 600%
of thickness to the length of the overlap of the edge. The level difference 8 is the
easy fracture part.
[0041] The appearance of the container, and the opening device for the straws according
to Example 6 is shown in Fig. 10 (a). This container consists of the main body of
the paper container, and the dome-like container top 3 of the thermoplastic resin
which is joined to the upper end of the main body and formed by injection, and the
lid 5 for the spouts is integrally formed in the center of the container top 3. The
opening 4 is integrally formed with the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented from
the top face of the lid.
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprises four
roundish surface steps 7, and a plurality of level differences 8 on the front side
at the bottom surface. On the back side shown in Fig. 10 (b), it has the flat step
7 and the level difference 8.
[0042] As shown in Fig. 17, in Example 6, the thickness of the edge 9 of the level difference
8 is 0.1 mm. The thickness of the step 7 on the front side and the back side is 0.6
mm. The thickness of the edge of the level difference is thinner than the thickness
of the step, and the step has 600% of thickness to the length of the overlap of the
edge. The level difference 8 is the easy fracture part.
[0043] The appearance of the container, and the opening device for the straws according
to the reference example 7 is shown in Fig. 11. This container consists of the main
body 2 of the paper container, and the dome-like container top 3 of the thermoplastic
resin which is joined to the upper end of the main body 2, and is formed by injection,
and the lid 5 for the spouts is integrally formed in the center of the container top
3. The opening 4 is integrally formed with the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented
from the top face of the lid.
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprises one
flat surface steps 7, and one level difference 8 on the back side and the front side
at the bottom surface (the back side not shown in Fig. 11).
[0044] As shown in Fig. 18, in this reference example 7, the thickness of the edge 9 of
the level difference 8 is 0.1 mm. The thickness of the step 7 is 0.2 mm. Unlike this
invention, the number of the steps 7 by the side of the back and front is one, respectively,
and the level difference 8 is one. Since the number of the step and the level difference
is the singular number as compared with the example, breaking with the straw is difficult.
[0045] The appearance of the container, and the opening device for the straws according
to Example 8 is shown in Fig. 12. This container consists of the main body of the
paper container, and the dome-like container top 3 of the thermoplastic resin which
is joined to the upper end of the main body and formed by injection, and the lid 5
for the spouts is integrally formed in the center of the container top 3. The opening
4 is integrally formed with the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented from the top
face of the lid.
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprises some
flat surface steps 7, and a plurality of level differences 8 on the back side and
the front side at the bottom surface (the back side not shown in Fig. 12).
[0046] As shown in Fig. 19, in Example 8, the thickness of the edge 9 of the level difference
8 is 0.1 mm. The thickness of the step 7 is 0.2 mm. The thickness of the edge of the
level difference is thinner than the thickness of the step, and the step has 200%
of thickness to the length of the overlap of the edge. The level difference 8 is the
easy fracture part.
[0047] The appearance of the container, and the opening device for the straws according
to Example 9 is shown in Fig. 13. This container consists of the main body of the
paper container, and the dome-like container top 3 of the thermoplastic resin which
is joined to the upper end of the main body and formed by injection, and the lid 5
for the spouts is integrally formed in the center of the top of the container top
3. The opening 4 is integrally formed with the lid 5, and is formed in shape dented
from the top face of the lid.
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the dent of the opening 4 comprises some
flat surface steps 7, and a plurality of level differences 8 on the front side at
the bottom surface.
[0048] As shown in Fig. 20, in Example 9, the thickness of the edge 9 of the level difference
8 is 0.1 mm. The thicknesses of the steps 7 on the front side and the back side are
0.2 mm. The thickness of the edge of the level difference is thinner than the thickness
of the step, and the step has 200% of thickness to the length of the overlap of the
edge. The level difference 8 is the easy fracture part.
[0049] In Examples, such as Examples 1 and 2, the opening 4 of the opening device for the
straws is integrally formed with the top 3 (and lid 5). The projection 11 is formed
in the front side of the step 7.
[0050] As mentioned above, the edge of the level difference is protected by the step, and
since the step is thickly, an opening is not damaged nor broken carelessly.
The opening is not simply fractured by an external force, such as vibration at the
delivery, and does not leak, and the thrust of the straw can open the straw hole easily.
The consumers can stick the straw into the mark of the projection, and the straw tip
from the projection can slide on the step, can run against the level difference, can
stop there, and can open the opening easily.
[0051] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it is
possible to make it deform variously based on the object of the present invention,
and it does not eliminate them from the scope of the present invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0052] This invention is applicable to manufacture of the container packaged and filled
up with the liquid food etc.